Travel and Hospitality Tech Outlook: Specials Magazine

First impressions matter. In short-term rentals, spotless spaces and a welcoming ambiance set the stage for an exceptional guest experience. Providing that experience is a challenge many hosts know all too well—finding, scheduling and paying cleaners who are willing to go the extra mile with attention to detail. Turno puts this turnover cleaning process for short-term rentals on autopilot. Hosts and property managers have access to the world’s largest ‘cleaner marketplace’ dedicated to rentals. Leveraging AI-powered technology, its platform allows hosts to schedule vetted cleaners, create checklists, receive images and written documentation of cleaning, and make payments, all necessary to maintain consistent quality standards. These functions ensure that a property showcased in a listing matches guest expectation, providing hosts with peace of mind. “We stay true to our mission of making vacation rental management easier,” says Assaf Karmon, CEO and co-founder. As an Airbnb host himself, Karmon knew firsthand that managing a rental was much more than a passive income opportunity. Cleaning accounted for 90 percent of the workload, demanding a solution. He leveraged his software engineer skills to develop the Turno app, which significantly reduced the time he spent on a rental turnover. That inspired him to refine it into a platform so other hosts could optimize their operations. While Turno was originally created as a solution for hosts, it now equally prioritizes the needs of cleaning crews. Cleaners gain the opportunity to bid on vacation rental cleaning jobs in their area, set their own prices and negotiate services. They are paid automatically after each job, creating a win-win ecosystem. “We give hosts and cleaners their time back by automating processes that were manual and time consuming,” says Karmon. “It brings them as close to a truly passive experience as possible while maintaining the highest standards of quality.” Facilitating Hands-Free Rental Management Rental management becomes as passive as possible by embracing a philosophy of ‘management by exception.’ The platform automates all routine tasks, requiring user intervention only when exceptions arise. When the host syncs their rental calendar, the platform automatically imports the bookings, generates cleaning projects based on the guest’s check-in and check-out dates and notifies current or new cleaners. Once a cleaner accepts the job, they can proceed without having to communicate with the host. If no cleaner accepts the project, Turno triggers an alert, prompting the host to take action, such as finding a replacement through the platform. Its in-app chat serves as the communication channel. Designed to be mobile-friendly, the feature enables hosts and cleaners to send and receive messages instantly. Where there are language barriers, real-time translation capability ensures clear communication. Customizable checklists outline specific tasks, such as cleaning ovens and microwaves or removing food from the refrigerator, which can be easily overlooked. Hosts can request photo documentation for specific tasks to verify completion. A crucial functionality is a problem-reporting system that allows cleaners to report missing items and other issues in real time. Broken doors, non-functional air conditioning and internet outages are flagged as exceptions and hosts are automatically notified for further action. Cleaners can document the damage, giving hosts clear evidence to effectively address the issues with guests. Hosts are notified when essential items, such as shampoo, toilet paper, coffee pods, batteries, or other supplies need replenishment. The inventory management feature ensures properties are always well-stocked to maintain that exceptional guest experience. When the work is completed, cleaners complete the checklist and mark the project as finished. The system handles their payment, eliminating the need for any manual intervention. To further streamline operations, hosts can customize the software to minimize exceptions. For example, they can assign multiple cleaning businesses to a property, creating a backup system where the next one steps in if the first is unavailable. A Holistic Approach to Quality Control Turno upholds the quality of its services through measures designed to maintain accountability and professionalism. Every cleaner entering the Turno network undergoes thorough vetting, and an annual background check is required for all U.S. cleaners. Cleaners must provide references from previous vacation rental hosts to validate any stated experience. They are also required to complete training on the platform. Turno’s commitment to quality is evident in its review system. Hosts can choose cleaning businesses based on reviews from other hosts. Those with low ratings risk losing future job opportunities. This system ensures accountability, encouraging cleaners to consistently maintain high standards.